The Tintic Standard Mining Company was established by Emil J. Raddatz in October of 1907. The Tintic Standard Reduction Mill was built by the Tintic Mining Company in 1921 at a cost of $580,000 so that they could process their ore. Silver, copper, lead and gold were processed at the plant, which was connected to the mine via railroad. The mill was designed and built by W.C. Madge with input from Theodore P. Holt and George C. Dern, creators of the Holt Dern Roasters used in the smelting process at the plant.

The smelting process employed by the plant was an acid based process known as the “Augustin Process”. The Augustin method was obsolete before the plant opened, so the life of the mill was short. Only able to process approximately half the ore that was brought from the mine per day, the mining company eventually sent their ore to a third party smelter for processing. The mill closed in 1925, less than five years after becoming operational.

Time has reduced the mill to a ruin. Some of the structures have completely collapsed and what remains standing is slowly crumbling. Most of the concrete surfaces are spalled from the oxidizing rebar and freeze thaw cycles of the Utah climate. Any relatively smooth surface that remains is covered in graffiti.

Since I was in the area, the Tintic Standard Reduction Mill made for decent place to take some photos; however, I tend to prefer abandoned places with four walls, a roof and some human ephemera. I’ve explored much more interesting places back east. That said, It is a historic site, I didn’t have to trespass to see the place and it has a beautiful view. So, if you’re looking for someplace weird to visit near Salt Lake City, or you just need a place to ride your mountain bike check it out.

Below is a 1971 conservation report from the Historic American Engineering Record that includes engineering drawings of the original Tintic Mill.